Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

St. Paul is 40% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,248/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 14%
$73,055/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 19%
$280,300 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 48%
$1,390/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 24%
307,762
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $175/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $2,100/year.

Median household income is $13,872/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

Kansas City has a lower income tax rate, making Kansas City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Kansas City — common questions

Is St. Paul or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Kansas City?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $175/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Kansas City?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $13,872/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Kansas?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Kansas City details →

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